Starry Stonewort (Nitellopsis obtuse) – Prohibited in Michigan

Starry Stonewort looks like a plant but is a macroalga. The stems are made up of several giant cells that are held together by “nodes” consisting of several smaller cells. Star shaped bulbils are produced at the nodes and are generally 3-6 mm wide. It invades lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. It can be found at depths of 3 feet to 95 feet.

Concern: It forms dense mats in lakes and can significantly reduce the diversity of other aquatic plants. This causes interference with boating and fishing.